Roma ISD’s School Board voted on May 30, 2018 to name the Roma High School Gladiator Arena Gym Basketball Court in honor of Coach Eleuterio Garza Jr. The action was presented to the board as a way to keep the contributions of Coach Garza alive for years to come in the minds of members of The Gladiator Nation.

“Coach Garza made such a profound impact on Roma ISD, from his illustrious career as a coach to his time as superintendent, and it seemed only fitting to do this in his honor,” said Roma ISD School Board President Raul P. Moreno Jr. “I’m proud that we have such a focus on promoting our roots and history here at Roma ISD. We can’t move forward in success if we don’t remember where we came from, honor it and learn from it. So whether or not you had a chance to be coached by him or know him in some other way, there is no doubt that Roma ISD would not be where it is today without Coach Garza’s contributions to our success; he is a person to be admired. He helped build a solid foundation for us at RISD and we will be eternally grateful. Congratulations to him and his entire family on this well-earned recognition.”

Coach Eleuterio Garza Jr. served as the Roma High School Head Boys Basketball Coach from 1967 to 1978. He led Roma to the State Tournament in Boys Basketball in 1972 and 1976. Because of his commitment to student success, his patience and his devotion to academics, he later went on to serve as the district’s superintendent.

Roma ISD honored Coach Garza with a special unveiling of his name at the Roma High School Gym on Oct. 19, 2018. Surrounded by members of his family and players from teams from 1967 to 1976, Coach Garza saw the public unveiling of his name and enjoyed reminiscing with his players and former colleagues. He was also honored by members of the Roma ISD community with lifetime passes to all Roma Athletic Events, a plaque with a picture of the court now bearing his name, and a Roma High School jacket.

“Coach Garza, as many of us know him, put Roma on the map when it comes to athletics,” said Dagoberto Salinas, Roma ISD School Board Secretary. “And he did it by being a dedicated coach who cared about his players. He cared about them not just as athletes, but as students and persons. He helped all his teams reached their personal bests. As a coach he was a great motivator. He knew the game and he knew how to teach it. And we all know that a player can have all the moves, but if they don’t have a caring, hardworking coach, they will never succeed. Coach Garza, I want to thank you for your service to The Mighty Gladiator Nation. We hope that you and your family take to heart the appreciation we have for you and your sacrifices that have helped our students have a great foundation that they continue to build on.”

It is the policy of Roma I.S.D. not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in its programs, services, or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.